2.6. Outcome Measurements

The clinical examinations were performed by an independent observer who had no information about the treatment protocol and were conducted during clinic visits at baseline and after treatment (at the end of 5 weeks’ active therapy; 1- and 3-month follow-up). The outcome measurements were assessed using the Laitinen Pain Scale (LPS) for the level of pain, the Roland–Morris Questionnaire (RMQ) for the degree of functional condition, and the original Schober Test (OST) for range of motion (ROM), as well as stabilometric platform for postural sway parameters.

The LPS was used to assess subjective pain level, including its intensity and frequency, as well as information about analgesic pharmacotherapy used, and pain-related reduced functional mobility. The total score for these four domains ranges between 0–16 points, while a lower score indicates a better state of the patient [19].

The RMQ was used to evaluate the degree of disability and state of functional condition. This questionnaire contains 24 items scored of 0 points (answer “no”) or 1 point (answer “yes”), indicating lack of disability (0–3 points) or minimal (4–10); moderate (11–17) and severe disability (18–24) [20].

The OST was used to measure the ROM of the lumbar spine. The assessment was performed at the level of L5, with two points marked 5 cm below and 10 cm above within a total distance of 15 cm. The patient was asked to flex the trunk with the possible touch of the toes while keeping the knees straight [21].

The stabilometric platform CQ Stab2P (CQ Elektronik System, Czernica, Poland) was used to analyze a postural stability parameter, including a total sway path (TSP). A single test lasted 30 s and was conducted in both groups, with eyes open and closed. A research utility of a stabilometric platform for biomechanical assessment of postural control in patients with LBP is well investigated [22,23,24,25].